Washing machine appliance and a method for operating the same

ABSTRACT

A washing machine appliance and a method for operating a washing machine appliance are provided. The method includes directing a volume of liquid into a chamber of a basket, spinning the basket within a tub, and establishing a load type of articles within the chamber of the basket. The established load type is confirmed or controverted based at least in part on a height of liquid on a wall of the tub while the basket is spinning within the tub.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to washing machineappliances and methods for operating washing machine appliances.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Washing machine appliances generally include a tub for containing washfluid, e.g., water, detergent, and/or bleach. A drum is rotatablymounted within the tub and defines a wash chamber for receipt ofarticles for washing. During operation of such washing machineappliances, wash fluid is directed into the tub and onto articles withinthe wash chamber of the drum. The drum can rotate at various speeds toagitate articles within the wash chamber in the wash fluid, to wringwash fluid from articles within the wash chamber, etc.

During operation of certain washing machine appliances, a volume ofwater is directed into the tub in order to form wash fluid and/or rinsearticles within the wash chamber of the drum. The volume of water canvary depending upon a variety of factors. Large loads can require alarge volume of water relative to small loads that can require a smallvolume of water. Likewise, loads containing absorptive fabrics, such ascotton, can require a large volume of water relative to similarly sizedloads containing certain synthetic fabrics, such as polyester or nylon.

To operate efficiently, the volume of water directed into the tubpreferably corresponds or correlates to a size of a load of articleswithin the wash chamber of the drum and/or a load type of articleswithin the wash chamber of the drum. Thus, large volumes of water arepreferably directed into the washing machine's tub for large loads orloads of highly absorptive articles in order to properly wash suchloads. Conversely, small volumes of water are preferably directed intothe washing machine's tub for small loads or loads of poorly absorptivearticles in order to properly wash such loads. Directing an impropervolume of water into the drum can waste valuable water and/or energy andcan also hinder proper cleaning of articles within the wash chamber ofthe drum. However, accurately determining the size and/or type of a loadof articles within the wash chamber of the drum can be difficult.

Accordingly, a method for operating a washing machine appliance that canassist with determining a mass and/or a load type of articles within awash chamber of a drum of the washing machine appliance would be useful.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter provides a washing machine appliance and amethod for operating a washing machine appliance. The method includesdirecting a volume of liquid into a chamber of a basket, spinning thebasket within a tub, and establishing a load type of articles within thechamber of the basket. The established load type is confirmed orcontroverted based at least in part on a height of liquid on a wall ofthe tub while the basket is spinning in the tub. Additional aspects andadvantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the followingdescription, or may be apparent from the description, or may be learnedthrough practice of the invention.

In a first exemplary embodiment, a method for operating a washingmachine appliance is provided. The washing machine appliance has a tuband a basket rotatably mounted within the tub. The basket defines achamber for receipt of articles for washing. The method includesdirecting a volume of liquid into the chamber of the basket, spinningthe basket within the tub, establishing a load type of articles withinthe chamber of the basket, and confirming or controverting the load typearticles within the chamber of the basket from the step of establishingbased at least in part on a height of liquid on a wall of the tub duringthe step of spinning.

In a second exemplary embodiment, a washing machine appliance isprovided. The washing machine appliance includes a tub and a drumrotatably mounted within the tub. The drum defines a wash chamber forreceipt of articles for washing. The washing machine appliance alsoincludes a valve and a spout extending between the valve and the tub.The spout is configured directing liquid from the valve into the tub. Amotor is in mechanical communication with the drum. The motor isconfigured for selectively rotating the drum within the tub. Acontroller is in operative communication with the valve and the motor.The controller is configured for opening the valve in order to direct aflow of liquid into the wash chamber of the drum, closing the valve inorder to terminate the flow of liquid into the wash chamber of the drumafter a volume of liquid has flowed into the wash chamber of the drum,operating the motor in order to rotate the drum, establishing a loadtype of articles within the wash chamber of the drum, and confirming orcontroverting the load type articles within the wash chamber of the drumfrom the step of establishing based at least in part on a height ofliquid on a wall of the tub during the step of operating.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood with reference to the followingdescription and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which areincorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrateembodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serveto explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including thebest mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is setforth in the specification, which makes reference to the appendedfigures.

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a washing machine applianceaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 2 provides a front, section view of the exemplary washing machineappliance of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 provide schematic views of a tub and a washbasket of a washing machine appliance according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present subject matter as well as associated graphs ofa dispensed volume of liquid within the tub versus a measured ordetected level of liquid within the tub.

FIG. 8 illustrates a method of operating a washing machine applianceaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIGS. 9, 10, 11 and 12 provide schematic views of a tub and a washbasket of a washing machine appliance according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 13 illustrates a method of operating a washing machine applianceaccording to another exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate exemplary plots of volume-liquid levelabsorption correlations for various load types of articles within a washchamber of a basket.

FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate exemplary plots of predetermined heights forvarious estimated masses of articles within a wash chamber of a basket.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention,one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Eachexample is provided by way of explanation of the invention, notlimitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be madein the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit ofthe invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as partof one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a stillfurther embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present inventioncovers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a washing machine appliance 50 accordingto an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. As may be seenin FIG. 1, washing machine appliance 50 includes a cabinet 52 and acover 54. A backsplash 56 extends from cover 54, and a control panel 58including a plurality of input selectors 60 is coupled to backsplash 56.Control panel 58 and input selectors 60 collectively form a userinterface input for operator selection of machine cycles and features,and in one embodiment, a display 61 indicates selected features, acountdown timer, and/or other items of interest to machine users. A lid62 is mounted to cover 54 and is rotatable between an open position (notshown) facilitating access to a wash tub 64 (FIG. 2) located withincabinet 52 and a closed position (shown in FIG. 1) forming an enclosureover tub 64.

FIG. 2 provides a front, cross-section view of washing machine appliance50. As may be seen in FIG. 2, tub 64 includes a bottom wall 66 and asidewall 68. A wash drum or wash basket 70 is rotatably mounted withintub 64. In particular, basket 70 is rotatable about a vertical axis V.Thus, washing machine appliance is generally referred to as a verticalaxis washing machine appliance. Basket 70 defines a wash chamber 73 forreceipt of articles for washing and extends, e.g., vertically, between abottom portion 80 and a top portion 82. Basket 70 includes a pluralityof openings or perforations 71 therein to facilitate fluid communicationbetween an interior of basket 70 and tub 64.

A spout 72 is configured for directing a flow of fluid into tub 64. Inparticular, spout 72 may be positioned at or adjacent top portion 82 ofbasket 70. Spout 72 may be in fluid communication with a water supply(not shown) in order to direct fluid (e.g., liquid water) into tub 64and/or onto articles within chamber 73 of basket 70. A valve 74regulates the flow of fluid through spout 72. For example, valve 74 canselectively adjust to a closed position in order to terminate orobstruct the flow of fluid through spout 72. A pump assembly 90 (shownschematically in FIG. 2) is located beneath tub 64 and basket 70 forgravity assisted flow to drain tub 64.

An agitation element 92, shown as an impeller in FIG. 2, is disposed inbasket 70 to impart an oscillatory motion to articles and liquid inchamber 73 of basket 70. In various exemplary embodiments, agitationelement 92 includes a single action element (i.e., oscillatory only),double action (oscillatory movement at one end, single directionrotation at the other end) or triple action (oscillatory movement plussingle direction rotation at one end, singe direction rotation at theother end). As illustrated in FIG. 2, agitation element 92 is orientedto rotate about vertical axis V. Basket 70 and agitation element 92 aredriven by a pancake motor 94. As motor output shaft 98 is rotated,basket 70 and agitation element 92 are operated for rotatable movementwithin tub 64, e.g., about vertical axis V. Washing machine appliance 50may also include a brake assembly (not shown) selectively applied orreleased for respectively maintaining basket 70 in a stationary positionwithin tub 64 or for allowing basket 70 to spin within tub 64.

Operation of washing machine appliance 50 is controlled by a processingdevice or controller 100, that is operatively coupled to the userinterface input located on washing machine backsplash 56 (shown inFIG. 1) for user manipulation to select washing machine cycles andfeatures. In response to user manipulation of the user interface input,controller 100 operates the various components of washing machineappliance 50 to execute selected machine cycles and features.

Controller 100 may include a memory and microprocessor, such as ageneral or special purpose microprocessor operable to executeprogramming instructions or micro-control code associated with acleaning cycle. The memory may represent random access memory such asDRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In one embodiment, theprocessor executes programming instructions stored in memory. The memorymay be a separate component from the processor or may be includedonboard within the processor. Alternatively, controller 100 may beconstructed without using a microprocessor, e.g., using a combination ofdiscrete analog and/or digital logic circuitry (such as switches,amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and thelike) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software.Control panel 58 and other components of washing machine appliance 50may be in communication with controller 100 via one or more signal linesor shared communication busses.

In an illustrative embodiment, laundry items are loaded into chamber 73of basket 70, and washing operation is initiated through operatormanipulation of control input selectors 60. Tub 64 is filled with waterand mixed with detergent to form a wash fluid. Valve 74 can be opened toinitiate a flow of water into tub 64 via spout 72, and tub 64 can befilled to the appropriate level for the amount of articles being washed.Once tub 64 is properly filled with wash fluid, the contents of thebasket 70 are agitated with agitation element 92 for cleaning of laundryitems in basket 70. More specifically, agitation element 92 is movedback and forth in an oscillatory motion.

After the agitation phase of the wash cycle is completed, tub 64 isdrained. Laundry articles can then be rinsed by again adding fluid totub 64, depending on the particulars of the cleaning cycle selected by auser, agitation element 92 may again provide agitation within basket 70.One or more spin cycles may also be used. In particular, a spin cyclemay be applied after the wash cycle and/or after the rinse cycle inorder to wring wash fluid from the articles being washed. During a spincycle, basket 70 is rotated at relatively high speeds.

While described in the context of a specific embodiment of washingmachine appliance 50, using the teachings disclosed herein it will beunderstood that washing machine appliance 50 is provided by way ofexample only. Other washing machine appliances having differentconfigurations (such as horizontal-axis washing machine appliances),different appearances, and/or different features may also be utilizedwith the present subject matter as well.

FIGS. 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 provide schematic views of tub 64 and basket 70of washing machine appliance 50 as well as associated graphs of adispensed volume of liquid within tub 64 versus a measured or detectedlevel of liquid in tub 64. As may be seen in FIGS. 3-7, spout 72 ofwashing machine appliance 50 is configured for directing liquids, suchas water or other wash fluid, into basket 70. In certain exemplaryembodiments, spout 72 may be positioned above basket 70, e.g., along avertical direction V, such that liquids from spout 72 fall or flowdownwardly into basket 70. In particular, spout 72 may be positioned ona central axis or centerline c_(line) of basket 70, such that liquidfrom spout 72 is directed towards or along centerline c_(line) of basket70. Thus, spout 72 can direct liquid towards a center of chamber 73.

Washing machine appliance 50 also includes a pressure transducer 102.Controller 100 is in communication with pressure transducer 102. Basedat least in part on a signal from pressure transducer 102, controller100 can determine a height of liquid within tub 64. Pressure transducer102 includes an inlet 104 positioned on or at tub 64. For example, inlet104 of pressure transducer 102 can be mounted to or positioned onsidewall 68 of tub 64. When liquid fills tub 64 to or above inlet 104 ofpressure transducer 102, pressure transducer 102 can measure or detectpressure variations due to liquid filling tub 64. In particular,pressure transducer 102 can measure pressure increases as liquid fillstub 64, and controller 64 can correlate such pressure increase to aheight of liquid within tub 64. It should be understood that, inalternative exemplary embodiments, washing machine appliance 50 caninclude any other suitable sensor or device for measuring or determiningthe height of liquid within tub 64, such as a float switch or HallEffect sensor.

FIGS. 3-6, illustrate liquid flowing from spout 72 onto articles 110 inbasket 70. In FIGS. 3-6, articles 110 for washing are disposed orpositioned within chamber 73 of basket 70. In particular, articles 110are, e.g., about or substantially, evenly distributed within basket 70and certain articles of articles 110 are positioned on or immediatelyadjacent centerline c_(line) of basket 70. In FIG. 3, tub 64 contains,e.g., about or substantially, no liquids. In FIG. 4, liquid from spout72 flows into tub 64 and onto articles 110 within basket 70. Thus,liquid is dispensed from spout 72, but pressure transducer 102 has notdetected such liquid. In FIG. 5, liquid from spout 72 continues to flowinto tub 64 onto articles 110 within basket 70. In particular, liquidfrom spout 72 saturates articles 110 in basket 70 and begins to flowfrom basket 70 into tub 64, e.g., through perforations 71. In FIG. 6,liquid from spout 72 continues to flow into tub 64 onto articles 110within basket 70. In FIG. 6, liquid from spout 72 has filled tub 64 to aheight above inlet 104 of pressure transducer 102. Thus, controller 102can measure or determine the height of liquid within tub 64 based upon asignal or signals from pressure transducer 102.

As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the volume of liquidrequired to fill tub 64 to a particular height can depend on variousfactors, such as the mass of articles 110, the fabric type of articles110, etc. In particular, a distribution of articles 110 within basket 70can affect the volume of liquid required to fill tub 64 to a particularheight. As shown in FIG. 7, if articles within basket 70 are unevenlydistributed within basket 70, e.g., such that articles 110 arepositioned or disposed away from centerline c_(line) of basket 70, thevolume of liquid required to fill tub 64 to a particular height can bedifferent than if articles 110 are, e.g., about or substantially, evenlydistributed within basket 70 as shown in FIG. 6. In particular, thevolume of liquid required to fill tub 64 to the particular height can besubstantially less than if articles 110 are, e.g., about orsubstantially, evenly distributed within basket 70 as shown in FIG. 6.Comparing the distributions of articles 110 in FIGS. 6 and 7, thedistribution of articles 110 in FIG. 7 can permit liquid from spout 72to pass through perforations 71 of basket 70 without falling onto andsaturating articles 110. Thus, despite having an identical load ofarticles 110 in FIGS. 6 and 7, the distribution of articles 110 withinbasket 70 can affect the volume of liquid required to fill tub 64 to aparticular height as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.

As discussed in greater detail below, a mass of articles 110 withinbasket 70 can be measured or determined utilizing correlations between avolume of liquid required to fill tub 64 to a certain height and themass of articles 110 within basket 70. However, as discussed above, thedistribution of articles 110 within basket 70 can affect the volume ofliquid required to fill tub 64 to a particular height. The presentsubject matter can assist with, e.g., accurately and/or precisely,measuring the mass of articles 110 within basket 70 despite thedistribution of articles 110 within basket 70.

FIG. 8 illustrates a method 800 of operating a washing machine applianceaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.Method 800 can be used to operate any suitable washing machineappliance, such as washing machine appliance 50 (FIG. 1). Method 800 maybe programmed into and implemented by controller 100 (FIG. 2) of washingmachine appliance 50. Utilizing method 800, controller 100 can determineand/or verify a mass of articles within chamber 73 of basket 70.Utilizing method 800, controller 100 can also determine and/or verify aload type of articles within chamber 73 of basket 70 as discussed ingreater detail below.

At step 810, a volume of liquid is directed into chamber 73 of basket70. As an example, controller 100 may open valve 74 in order to direct aflow of liquid into chamber 73 of basket 70 at step 810. Further,controller 100 may close valve 74 in order to terminate the flow ofliquid into chamber 73 of basket 70 after the volume of liquid hasflowed into tub 64 at step 810.

At step 820, basket 70 is spun or revolved within tub 64. As an example,controller 100 may operate motor 94 in order to rotate basket 70 at step820. In particular, controller 100 can utilize motor 94 in order to spinor revolve basket 70 at a predetermined speed at step 820. Thepredetermined speed may be any suitable speed. For example, thepredetermined speed may be about one-hundred and twenty revolutions perminute. In certain exemplary embodiments, the predetermined speed isselected such that substantially all liquid within articles 110 inbasket 70 is not wrung out of the articles 110 during step 820. Thus,articles 110 within basket 70 can remain substantially saturated withliquid at step 820.

At step 830 a height of liquid on sidewall 68 of tub 64 is measured,e.g., during step 820. As an example, controller 100 can receive asignal from pressure transducer 102 at step 830. Controller 100 canmeasure or determine the height of liquid on sidewall 68 of tub 64 basedat least in part on the signal from pressure transducer 102.

At step 840, a load type of articles 110 within chamber 73 of basket 70is established or determined As used herein, the term “load type”corresponds to a composition or fabric type of articles, e.g., withinchamber 73 of basket 70. As an example, if articles within chamber 73 ofbasket 70 have a relatively high absorptivity, the load type of sucharticles is a high absorption load type. Cotton articles can have arelatively high absorptivity such the load type of such articles is thehigh absorption load type. Conversely, if articles within chamber 73 ofbasket 70 have a relatively low absorptivity, the load type of sucharticles is a low absorption load type. Synthetic articles, such asnylon or polyester articles, can have a relatively low absorptivity suchthe load type of such articles is the low absorption load type. If amixed or blended load of articles is disposed within chamber 73 ofbasket 70, the load type of such articles is a mixed or blendedabsorption load type. Thus, the blended absorption load type cancorrespond to a blend of cotton articles and synthetic articles withinchamber 73 of basket 70.

It is to be appreciated that one ordinarily skilled in the art willrealize that well-known methods may be applied to determine or establishthe load type of articles 110 within chamber 73 of basket 70 at step840. As an example, the load type of articles 110 within chamber 73 ofbasket 70 may be established in accordance with methods described inU.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/928,699 to Roberto Obregon filed onJun. 27, 2013, the disclosure of which is incorporated by referenceherein. Such methods are discussed in greater detail below with respectto FIGS. 13, 14 and 15.

FIG. 13 illustrates a method 1300 of operating a washing machineappliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subjectmatter. Method 1300 can be used to operate any suitable washing machineappliance, such as washing machine appliance 50 (FIG. 1). Method 1300may be programmed into and implemented by controller 100 (FIG. 2) ofwashing machine appliance 50. Utilizing method 1300, controller 100 candetermine a load type of articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70.In particular, method 1300 may be incorporated within method 800 inorder to assist controller 100 with establishing the load type ofarticles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70 during method 800

At step 1310, controller 100 rotates basket 70 with motor 94. Thus,controller 100 can activate motor 94 at step 1310 in order to rotatebasket 70. Controller 100 can operate motor 94 at step 1310 such thatbasket 70 rotates at a predetermined frequency or angular velocity. Thepredetermined frequency or angular velocity can be any suitablefrequency or angular velocity. For example, the predetermined frequencyor angular velocity may be about one hundred and twenty revolutions perminute.

At step 1320, controller 100 adjusts an angular velocity of basket 70.Controller 100 can utilize motor 94 to adjust the angular velocity ofbasket 70. In certain exemplary embodiments, controller 100 candeactivate motor 94 at step 1320 in order to adjust the angular velocityof basket 70. To deactivate motor 94, controller 100 can short windingsof motor 94, e.g., using any suitable mechanism or method known to thoseskilled in the art.

At step 1330, controller 100 determines an angular acceleration or firstderivative of the angular velocity of basket 70 or a jerk or a secondderivative of the angular velocity of basket 70, e.g., based at least inpart the adjustment of the angular velocity of basket 70 at step 1320.Based upon the first and/or second derivative of the angular velocity ofbasket 70, controller 100 estimates a mass of articles within washchamber 73 of basket 70 at step 1340. Thus, controller 100 can establishthe mass of articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70 based upon theinertia of articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70 at step 1340. Asan example, the magnitude of the first and/or second derivative of theangular velocity of basket 70 can be inversely proportional to the massof articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70. Thus, controller 100can correlate the magnitude of the first and/or second derivative of theangular velocity of basket 70 to the mass of articles within washchamber 73 of basket 70 at step 1340. At step 1340, controller 100 canalso establish a tolerance range for the mass of articles within washchamber 73 of basket 70. The tolerance range for the mass of articleswithin wash chamber 73 of basket 70 can correspond to the error oruncertainty of the estimate of the mass of articles within wash chamber73 of basket 70 at step 1340. Steps 1310, 1320, 1330 and 1340 of method1300 may be conducted or implemented prior to step 810 of method 800.

At step 1350, controller 100 directs a volume of liquid into wash tub64. In particular, controller 100 directs liquid into wash tub 64 atstep 1350 until a level of liquid within wash tub 64 reaches apredetermined height, e.g., about six inches. As an example, controller100 can open valve 74 in order to direct a flow of liquid into wash tub64. After or when the level of liquid within wash tub 64 reaches thepredetermined height, controller 100 can close valve 74 in order toterminate the flow of liquid into wash tub 64. Controller 100 cancalculate the volume of liquid within wash tub 64, e.g., based on a flowrate of liquid through valve 74 and a time period between controller 100opening and closing valve 74. Step 1350 may be conducted or implementedafter step 830 of method 800.

At step 1360, controller 100 establishes the load type of articleswithin wash chamber 73 of basket 70. Controller 100 can establish theload type of articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70 based at leastin part on the mass of articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70 fromstep 1340 and the volume of liquid from step 1350. Step 1360 isdiscussed in greater detail below.

FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate exemplary plots of volume-liquid levelabsorption correlations for various load types of articles within washchamber 73 of basket 70 and the mass of articles within wash chamber 73of basket 70 from step 1340. As used herein, the term “volume-liquidlevel absorption correlation” corresponds to a relationship between thevolume of liquid within wash tub 64 required to fill wash tub 64 to thepredetermined height and the mass of articles within wash chamber 73 ofbasket 70. As an example, if articles within wash chamber 73 of basket70 have a relatively high absorptivity, a relatively large volume ofliquid can be required to fill wash tub 64 to the predetermined height.Conversely, for a load with an identical mass as the above example, arelatively small volume of liquid can be required to fill wash tub 64 tothe predetermined height if articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70have a relatively low absorptivity. If a blended load of articles isdisposed within wash chamber 73 of basket 70, a volume of liquid betweenthe relatively large volume of liquid and the relatively small volume ofliquid can be required to fill wash tub 64 to the predetermined height.

At step 1360, controller 100 can provide the plurality of liquidvolume-liquid level absorption correlations. For example, the pluralityof liquid volume-liquid level absorption correlations can be establishedexperimentally and may be stored in the memory of controller 100 duringproduction of washing machine appliance 50. Each absorption correlationof the plurality of liquid volume-liquid level absorption correlationscorresponds to a respective load type of articles within wash chamber 73of basket 70. In the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, theplurality of liquid volume-liquid level absorption correlations includesa cotton liquid volume-liquid level absorption correlation and a blendedliquid volume-liquid level absorption correlation.

At step 1360, controller 100 can also ascertain predicted masses ofarticles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70 based at least in part onthe plurality of liquid volume-liquid level absorption correlations.Each predicted mass of the predicted masses of articles within washchamber 73 of basket 70 corresponds to a respective one of the pluralityof liquid volume-liquid level absorption correlations. In the exemplaryembodiments shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the predicted masses of articleswithin wash chamber 73 of basket 70 correspond to the masses of a cottonload and a blended load associated with the volume of liquid from step1350. In particular, the volume of liquid from step 1350 in theexemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 is about seven gallons.The predicted mass for articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70 ifthe articles are cotton is about six pounds in the exemplary embodimentsshown in FIGS. 14 and 15. Conversely, the predicted mass for articleswithin wash chamber 73 of basket 70 if the articles are blended is aboutten pounds in the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 14 and 15.

At step 1360, controller 100 can also compare the mass of articleswithin wash chamber 73 of basket 70 of step 1340 and the predictedmasses of articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70. In particular,controller 100 can determine differences between the mass of articleswithin wash chamber 73 of basket 70 of step 1340 and the predictedmasses of articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70. Controller 100can establish the load type of articles within wash chamber 73 of basket70 based at least in part on the differences between the mass ofarticles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70 of step 1340 and thepredicted masses of articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70.

In the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, controller 100can select a cotton load type, a blended load type, or a synthetic loadtype based at least in part on differences between the mass of articleswithin wash chamber 73 of basket 70 of step 1340 and the predictedmasses of articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70. As shown in FIG.14, the tolerance range of the mass of articles within wash chamber 73of basket 70 of step 1340 is within the tolerance range of the predictedmass of articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70 for the blendedload type. Thus, controller 100 can establish the load type of articleswithin wash chamber 73 of basket 70 as the blended load type at step1360 for the exemplary shown in FIG. 14. Conversely, in FIG. 15, thetolerance range of the mass of articles within wash chamber 73 of basket70 of step 1340 is outside the tolerance range of the predicted mass ofarticles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70 for both the blended loadtype and the cotton load type. Thus, controller 100 can establish theload type of articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70 as thesynthetic load type at step 1360 for the exemplary shown in FIG. 15.

At step 1360, if any portion of the tolerance range of the mass ofarticles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70 of step 1340 is within thetolerance range of the predicted mass of articles within wash chamber 73of basket 70 for the blended load type, controller 100 can establish theload type of articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70 as the blendedload type at step 1360. Conversely, if the tolerance range of the massof articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70 of step 1340 is onlywithin the tolerance range of the predicted mass of articles within washchamber 73 of basket 70 for the cotton load type, controller 100 canestablish the load type of articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70as the cotton load type at step 1360. Similarly, if the entire tolerancerange of the mass of articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70 ofstep 1340 is greater than the tolerance range of the predicted mass ofarticles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70 for the blended load type,controller 100 can establish the load type of articles within washchamber 73 of basket 70 as the synthetic load type at step 1360.

In method 1300, controller 100 can direct a first volume of water intowash tub 64 of washing machine appliance 50 during a wash cycle ofwashing machine appliance 50 if the load type of articles within washchamber 73 of basket 70 is the cotton load type at step 1360.Conversely, controller 100 can direct a second volume of water into washtub 64 of washing machine appliance 50 during the wash cycle of washingmachine appliance 50 if the load type of articles within wash chamber 73of basket 70 is the blended load type at step 1360. Furthermore,controller 100 can direct a third volume of water into wash tub 64 ofwashing machine appliance 50 during the wash cycle of washing machineappliance 50 if the load type of articles within wash chamber 73 ofbasket 70 is the synthetic load type at step 1360. The first, second andthird volumes are different. In particular, the first volume may begreater than the second volume. In such a manner, controller 100 candirect less water into wash tub 64 if the load type of articles withinwash chamber 73 of basket 70 is the blended load type at step 1360.Thus, method 400 can conserve water if the load type of articles withinwash chamber 73 of basket 70 is the blended load type at step 1360, andmethod 400 ensure that sufficient water is directed into wash tub 64 ifthe load type of articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70 is thecotton load type at step 1360. Similarly, the second volume may begreater than the third volume. In such a manner, controller 100 candirect less water into wash tub 64 if the load type of articles withinwash chamber 73 of basket 70 is the synthetic load type at step 1360.

Turning back to FIG. 8, method 800 is discussed in greater detail. Asdiscussed above, method 800 can assist with verifying the load type ofarticles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70 established at step 840,e.g., using method 1300. Thus, after establishing the load type ofarticles 110 within chamber 73 of basket 70 at step 840, method 800 canassist with verifying or controverting the established load type.

At step 850, controller 100 determines if the height of liquid onsidewall 68 of tub 64 is greater than a predetermined value or height.If the height of liquid on sidewall 68 of tub 64 is less than thepredetermined value at step 850, controller 180 also determines orestablishes whether the load type of articles 110 within chamber 73 ofbasket 70 established at step 840 is accurate at step 860. Inparticular, the load type of articles 110 within chamber 73 of basket 70established at step 840 is confirmed or controverted at step 860. If theheight of liquid on sidewall 68 of tub 64 is greater than thepredetermined value at step 850, controller 180 determines orestablishes whether the load type of articles 110 within chamber 73 ofbasket 70 established at step 840 is accurate at step 870. Inparticular, the load type of articles 110 within chamber 73 of basket 70established at step 840 is confirmed or controverted at step 870.

The predetermined value or height can be any suitable value or height.For example, the predetermined value may be selected based upon the loadtype of articles 110 within chamber 73 of basket 70 established bymethod 1300 and the mass of articles 110 within chamber 73 of basket 70estimated during method 1300. In particular, the predetermined value orheight may vary depending upon whether a synthetic load type, a cottonload type or a blend load type was established at step 1360 of method1300.

FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate exemplary plots of predetermined heights forvarious estimated masses of articles within chamber 73 of basket 70. Asmay be seen in FIGS. 16 and 17, the predetermined value of step 850 mayvary as a function of mass of estimated masses of articles withinchamber 73 of basket 70 and also the estimated load type. As an example,the predetermined values may be established experimentally and stored inthe memory of controller 100 during production of washing machineappliance 50. In FIGS. 16 and 17, the estimated mass corresponds to themass of articles 110 within chamber 73 of basket 70 estimated usinginertial methods such as those described for steps 1310, 1320, 1330 and1340 of method 1300.

In FIG. 16, a blended load type was established at step 840, e.g., asshown in FIG. 14. Further, the height of liquid on sidewall 68 of tub 64measured at step 830 is about one and a half inches, and the height ofliquid on sidewall 68 of tub 64 exceeds the predetermined value, aboutthree quarters of an inch, at the associated estimated mass, aboutfifteen pounds. Because the height of liquid on sidewall 68 of tub 64exceeds the predetermined value in FIG. 16, it can be inferred thatthere is a void in the articles 110 within chamber 73 of basket 70 orthat articles 110 are unevenly distributed within chamber 73 of basket70. Thus, a mass of articles 110 within chamber 73 of basket 70 isgauged or estimated at step 880 based at least in part on an inertia ofbasket 70 and articles 110 within chamber 73 of basket 70.

If the height of liquid on sidewall 68 of tub 64 had not exceeded thepredetermined value in FIG. 16, the mass of articles 110 within chamber73 of basket 70 would be estimated or gauged at step 890 based at leastin part on a volume of liquid that fills tub 64 to a predeterminedheight or level. The fill method of estimating the mass of articles 110within chamber 73 of basket 70 would be used if a void in the articles110 within chamber 73 of basket 70 is not detected during method 800 orbecause articles 110 are evenly distributed within chamber 73 of basket70. In such situations, the fill method of estimating the mass ofarticles 110 within chamber 73 of basket 70 can be more accurate thanthe inertial method of estimating the mass of articles 110 withinchamber 73 of basket 70.

In FIG. 17, a synthetic load type was established at step 840, e.g., asshown in FIG. 15. Further, the height of liquid on sidewall 68 of tub 64measured at step 830 is about one and a half inches, and the height ofliquid on sidewall 68 of tub 64 exceeds the predetermined value, aboutseven tenths of an inch, at the associated estimated mass, about twentyone pounds. Because the height of liquid on sidewall 68 of tub 64exceeds the predetermined value in FIG. 17, it cannot be inferred thatthere is a void in the articles 110 within chamber 73 of basket 70 orthat articles 110 are unevenly distributed within chamber 73 of basket70. Thus, a mass of articles 110 within chamber 73 of basket 70 isestimated or gauged at step 890 based at least in part on a volume ofliquid that fills tub 64 to a predetermined height or level.

If the height of liquid on sidewall 68 of tub 64 had not exceeded thepredetermined value in FIG. 17, the mass of articles 110 within chamber73 of basket 70 would be gauged or estimated at step 880 based at leastin part on an inertia of basket 70 and articles 110 within chamber 73 ofbasket 70. The inertial method of estimating the mass of articles 110within chamber 73 of basket 70 is used because a void in the articles110 within chamber 73 of basket 70 is detected during method 800 orbecause articles 110 are unevenly distributed within chamber 73 ofbasket 70. In such situations, the fill method of estimating the mass ofarticles 110 within chamber 73 of basket 70 may not provide an accuratemass estimation.

FIGS. 9, 10, 11 and 12 provide schematic views of tub 64 and basket 70of washing machine appliance 50 according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe present subject matter. As discussed above, utilizing method 800,controller 100 can determine the mass and load type of articles 110within chamber 73 of basket 70. In particular, controller 100 can, e.g.,accurately and/or precisely, determine the mass and load type ofarticles 110 within chamber 73 of basket 70 despite the arrangement ofarticles 110 within basket 70 as shown in FIGS. 9-12.

For example, FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate basket 70 with articles 110,e.g., about or substantially, evenly distributed within basket 70 andcertain articles of articles 110 positioned on or immediately adjacentcenterline c_(line) of basket 70. Conversely, FIGS. 11 and 12 illustratebasket 70 with articles 110 unevenly distributed within basket 70 andarticles 110 positioned away from centerline c_(line) of basket 70.Utilizing method 800, controller 100 can determine the mass and loadtype of articles 110 disposed in basket 70 for both distributions ofarticles 110 as discussed in greater detail below. In particular, method800 can assist with identifying when articles 110 disposed in basket 70are not absorbing liquid as fast as expected relative to the mass of thearticles, e.g., due to voids or to coating treatments applied on thearticles that make liquid runoff the articles.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, a user can load basket 70 such that articles110 are, e.g., about or substantially, evenly distributed within basket70 and certain articles of articles 110 positioned on or immediatelyadjacent centerline c_(line) of basket 70. After loading articles 110into basket 70, the user can initiate a wash cycle of washing machineappliance 50, e.g., using input selectors 60 on backsplash 56. As may beseen in FIG. 9, a volume of liquid, such as water and/or wash fluid, isdirected from spout 72 into chamber 73 of basket 70 and articles 110therein. After directing the volume of liquid into basket 70, basket 70is spun or revolved within tub 64 as may be seen in FIG. 10. Duringrotation of basket 70, liquid in tub 64 forms a parabolic or arcuatesurface such that liquid climbs sidewall 68 of tub 64.

In FIGS. 9 and 10, articles 110 are, e.g., about or substantially,evenly distributed within basket 70 and certain articles of articles 110positioned on or immediately adjacent centerline c_(line) of basket 70.Thus, liquid from spout 72 saturates articles 110, and a substantialvolume of liquid remains in articles 110 during rotation of basket 70 atstep 820. Accordingly, the height of liquid on sidewall 68 of tub 64 isless than the predetermined value or height at step 850.

Because the height of liquid on sidewall 68 of tub 64 does not exceedthe predetermined value or height, controller 100 can confirm the loadtype of articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70, e.g., establishedby controller 100 at step 840, if the estimated load type was a blendedload type as shown in FIG. 16. Conversely, controller 100 can controvertthe load type of articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70, e.g.,established by controller 100 at step 840, if the estimated load typewas a synthetic load type as shown in FIG. 17, because the height ofliquid on sidewall 68 of tub 64 does not exceed the predetermined valueor height.

As another example and as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, a user can loadbasket 70 such that articles 110 are unevenly distributed within basket70 and articles 110 are positioned away from centerline c_(line) ofbasket 70. After loading articles 110 into basket 70, the user caninitiate a wash cycle of washing machine appliance 50, e.g., using inputselectors 60 on backsplash 56. As may be seen in FIG. 9, a volume ofliquid, such as water and/or wash fluid, is directed from spout 72 intochamber 73 of basket 70. However, a substantial volume of such liquidcan pass through basket 70 into tub 64 without impacting or contactingarticles 110. After directing the volume of liquid into basket 70,basket 70 is spun or revolved within tub 64 as may be seen in FIG. 10.During rotation of basket 70, liquid in tub 64 forms a parabolic orarcuate surface such that liquid climbs sidewall 68 of tub 64.

In FIGS. 11 and 12, articles 110 are unevenly distributed within basket70 and articles 110 are positioned away from centerline c_(line) ofbasket 70. Thus, a substantial volume liquid from spout 72 passesthrough basket 70 into tub 64 without impacting or contacting articles110, and a substantial volume of liquid is disposed at bottom wall 66 oftub 64 during rotation of basket 70, and the height of liquid onsidewall 68 of tub 64 exceeds the predetermined value or height at step850.

Because the height of liquid on sidewall 68 of tub 64 exceeds thepredetermined value or height, controller 100 can controvert the loadtype of articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70, e.g., establishedby controller 100 at step 840, if the estimated load type was a blendedload type as shown in FIG. 16. Conversely, controller 100 can confirmthe load type of articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 70, e.g.,established by controller 100 at step 840, if the estimated load typewas a synthetic load type as shown in FIG. 17, because the height ofliquid on sidewall 68 of tub 64 exceeds the predetermined value orheight.

To estimate or gauge the mass of articles 110 within chamber 73 ofbasket 70 based at least in part on an inertia of basket 70 and articles110 within chamber 73 of basket 70 at step 880, controller 100 canrotate basket 70 with motor 94. For example, controller 100 can activatemotor 94 in order to rotate basket 70. In particular, controller 100 canoperate motor 94 such that basket 70 rotates at a predeterminedfrequency or angular velocity. The predetermined frequency or angularvelocity can be any suitable frequency or angular velocity. For example,the predetermined frequency or angular velocity may be about one hundredand twenty revolutions per minute.

During rotation of basket 70, controller 100 can adjust an angularvelocity of basket 70. Controller 100 can utilize motor 94 to adjust theangular velocity of basket 70. In certain exemplary embodiments,controller 100 can deactivate motor 94 in order to adjust the angularvelocity of basket 70. To deactivate motor 94, controller 100 can shortwindings of motor 94, e.g., using any suitable mechanism or method knownto those skilled in the art.

Controller 100 can also determine an angular acceleration or firstderivative of the angular velocity of basket 70 or a jerk or a secondderivative of the angular velocity of basket 70, e.g., based at least inpart the adjustment of the angular velocity of basket 70. Based upon thefirst and/or second derivative of the angular velocity of basket 70,controller 100 estimates the mass of articles within chamber 73 ofbasket 70. Thus, controller 100 can establish the mass of articleswithin chamber 73 of basket 70 based upon the inertia of articles withinchamber 73 of basket 70. As an example, the magnitude of the firstand/or second derivative of the angular velocity of basket 70 can beinversely proportional to the mass of articles within chamber 73 ofbasket 70. Thus, controller 100 can correlate the magnitude of the firstand/or second derivative of the angular velocity of basket 70 to themass of articles within chamber 73 of basket 70.

To estimate or gauge the mass of articles 110 within chamber 73 ofbasket 70 based at least in part on a volume of liquid that fills tub 64to a predetermined height or level at step 890, controller 100 candirect a volume of liquid into tub 64. In particular, controller 100 candirect liquid into tub 64 until a level of liquid within tub 64 reachesa predetermined height, e.g., about six inches. As an example,controller 100 can open valve 74 in order to direct a flow of liquidinto tub 64. After or when the level of liquid within tub 64 reaches thepredetermined height, controller 100 can close valve 74 in order toterminate the flow of liquid into tub 64. Controller 100 can calculatethe volume of liquid within tub 64, e.g., based on a flow rate of liquidthrough valve 74 and a time period between controller 100 opening andclosing valve 74.

Based upon the volume of liquid that fills tub 64 to a predeterminedheight or level, controller 100 estimates the mass of articles withinchamber 73 of basket 70. Thus, controller 100 can establish the mass ofarticles within chamber 73 of basket 70 based upon the volume of liquidthat fills tub 64 to the predetermined height or level. As an example,the volume of liquid that required to fill tub 64 to the predeterminedheight or level can be directly proportional to the mass of articleswithin chamber 73 of basket 70. Thus, controller 100 can correlate thevolume of liquid that fills tub 64 to the predetermined height or levelto the mass of articles within chamber 73 of basket 70.

It should be understood that in addition to assisting with, e.g.,accurately and/or precisely, determining the mass of articles 110 withinchamber 73 of basket 70 despite the arrangement of articles 110 withinbasket 70, method 800 can also assist with, e.g., accurately and/orprecisely, determine the mass of articles 110 within chamber 73 ofbasket 70 despite the presence of voids in articles 110. Certainarticles can include a stain resistant coating that can create voids inarticles 110. Method 800 can assist with, e.g., accurately and/orprecisely, determining the mass of articles 110 within chamber 73 ofbasket 70 despite the presence of such voids in articles 110.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention,including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in theart to practice the invention, including making and using any devices orsystems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope ofthe invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examplesthat occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intendedto be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elementsthat do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if theyinclude equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differencesfrom the literal languages of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for operating a washing machineappliance, the washing machine appliance having a tub and a basketrotatably mounted within the tub, the basket defining a chamber forreceipt of articles for washing, the method comprising: directing avolume of liquid into the chamber of the basket; spinning the basketwithin the tub; establishing a load type of articles within the chamberof the basket; and confirming or controverting the load type articleswithin the chamber of the basket from said step of establishing based atleast in part on a height of liquid on a wall of the tub during saidstep of spinning.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the load type ofarticles within the chamber of the basket comprises one of a cotton loadtype, a blended load type, and a synthetic load type.
 3. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising measuring the height of liquid on the wallof the tub during said step of spinning.
 4. The method of claim 3,wherein said step of measuring comprises measuring the height of liquidon the wall of the tub with a pressure transducer of the washing machineappliance during said step of spinning.
 5. The method of claim 1,wherein said step of spinning the basket within the tub comprisesspinning the basket within the tub at a predetermined speed.
 6. Themethod of claim 5, wherein the predetermined speed is about one-hundredand twenty revolutions per minute.
 7. The method of claim 5, wherein thebasket defines a plurality of openings, the plurality of openingspermitting fluid flow between from the chamber of the basket and thetub, wherein the predetermined speed is selected such that substantiallyall liquid within articles in the chamber of the basket is not wrung outof the articles during said step of spinning.
 8. The method of claim 1,wherein said step of directing the volume of liquid into the chamber ofthe basket comprises spraying the volume of liquid into the chamber ofthe basket such that the volume of liquid is directed towards a centerof the chamber of the basket.
 9. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising estimating a mass of articles within the chamber of thebasket with a fill method or an inertial method based at least in partwhether the load type articles within the chamber of the basket fromsaid step of estimating is confirmed or controverted at said step ofconfirming or controverting.
 10. A washing machine appliance,comprising: a tub; a drum rotatably mounted within the tub, the drumdefining a wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing; a valve; aspout configured directing liquid from the valve into the tub; a motorin mechanical communication with the drum, the motor configured forselectively rotating the drum within the tub; and a controller inoperative communication with the valve and the motor, the controllerconfigured for opening the valve in order to direct a flow of liquidinto the wash chamber of the drum; closing the valve in order toterminate the flow of liquid into the wash chamber of the drum after avolume of liquid has flowed into the wash chamber of the drum; operatingthe motor in order to rotate the drum; and establishing a load type ofarticles within the wash chamber of the drum; and confirming orcontroverting the load type articles within the wash chamber of the drumfrom said step of establishing based at least in part on a height ofliquid on a wall of the tub during said step of operating.
 11. Thewashing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the load type of articleswithin the wash chamber of the drum comprises one of a cotton load type,a blended load type, and a synthetic load type.
 12. The washing machineappliance of claim 1, further comprising a pressure transducerconfigured for measuring the height of liquid on the wall of the tub,wherein the controller is further configured for measuring the height ofliquid on the wall of the tub during said step of spinning with thepressure transducer.
 13. The washing machine appliance of claim 1,wherein the controller is configured for spinning the basket within thetub at a predetermined speed during said step of spinning.
 14. Thewashing machine appliance of claim 13, wherein the predetermined speedis about one-hundred and twenty revolutions per minute.
 15. The washingmachine appliance of claim 13, wherein the drum defines a plurality ofopenings, the plurality of openings permitting fluid flow between thechamber of the drum and the tub, wherein the predetermined speed isselected such that substantially all liquid within articles in thechamber of the drum is not wrung out of the articles during said step ofspinning.
 16. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein thespout is positioned such that liquid exiting the spout is directedtowards a central axis of the chamber of the drum.
 17. The washingmachine appliance of claim 16, wherein the spout is positioned above thedrum along a vertical direction.
 18. The washing machine appliance ofclaim 17, wherein the spout is positioned adjacent the central axis ofthe chamber of the drum.
 19. The washing machine appliance of claim 10,wherein the controller is further configured for estimating a mass ofarticles within the wash chamber of the drum with a fill method or aninertial method based at least in part whether the load type articleswithin the wash chamber of the drum from said step of estimating isconfirmed or controverted at said step of confirming or controverting.